The New Jersey Devils secured a 5-4 victory against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night at Rogers Arena, marking their third consecutive win and their fifth in the last six games. The game was a rollercoaster, with the Devils initially building a 3-0 lead before the Canucks fought back, creating a tense and exciting finish. Here are three key takeaways from the Devils' performance:

1. Fourth Line Spark Ignites the Offense:

The Devils' fourth line, featuring Lenni Hämeenaho, Cody Glass, and Arseny Gritsyuk, proved to be a significant catalyst in the victory. Hämeenaho, in only his third NHL game, scored his first career goal early in the first period, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead. The line continued to generate offense, with Hämeenaho assisting on a goal by Cody Glass. Glass, in particular, had a standout performance, scoring twice and adding an assist for a three-point night. This line's performance is a breath of fresh air for the Devils, who have struggled to get consistent production from their bottom lines this season. In three games together, the trio boasts a significant advantage in shots (19-9) and scoring chances (15-5), outscoring opponents 3-0.

2. Power Play Proves to be a Difference Maker

The Devils' power play was crucial in their win, as they scored two goals with the man advantage. This was a key factor in the game, as the Devils' 5v5 play was not as strong, with the Canucks holding an advantage in expected goals (2.30 to 1.67). The addition of Connor Brown to the first power-play unit seems to have paid dividends, providing a boost to their special teams.

3. Goaltending Concerns and Defensive Lapses

While the Devils ultimately secured the win, the performance of goaltender Jacob Markstrom and some defensive breakdowns are causes for concern. Markstrom allowed four goals and struggled with rebound control, leading to several scoring opportunities for the Canucks. The Canucks comeback can be attributed to defensive breakdowns and Markstrom's struggles to control rebounds. Coach Keefe's deployment of certain players in key situations, such as using the fourth line for a defensive zone faceoff, also raised questions.